Your Future is in your Freedom

We are pardon and US Entry Waiver experts and can advise from that point of view, but here is what the government is saying to do.

From the Government of Canada (CIC) website: if you received a Canadian record suspension or pardon (as it was formerly called), you are no longer inadmissible because of that conviction and can likely enter Canada.

If you received a pardon or discharge from another country, check with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Offices

Normally you cannot enter or stay in Canada if you are inadmissible. However, there are ways of overcoming your criminal inadmissibility.

If you are inadmissible, you may become admissible again if you:

You may also be offered a temporary resident permit if:

  • your reason to travel to Canada is considered justified in the circumstances; and
  • you do not pose a risk because of your inadmissibility.

Visits considered justified could include family emergencies or business conferences. Pleasure trips are normally not considered justified in the circumstances.

What can I do if I want to come to Canada but do not qualify for rehabilitation?

You may be able to receive a temporary resident permit, if you can show that:

  • your reason to travel to Canada is justified in the circumstances; and
  • you do not pose a risk because of your inadmissibility.

This permit would allow you to enter or stay temporarily in Canada.

For more information, see Temporary resident permits.

I was only convicted of a misdemeanour. Why can’t I enter Canada?

To consider your admissibility to Canada, Canadian officials assess your crime according to Canadian laws. They look at the nature of the offence, how long ago the act took place and whether any sentences were imposed. A misdemeanour offence in the United States is not automatically considered an equivalent offence in Canada. The final decision about your admissibility rests with the immigration or border services officer.